Photo By Seaman Apprentice Robert Moses | U.S. Navy Chiefs and chief selects from USS America (LHA 6) participate in a base...... read more read more
BUSAN, South Korea (Sept. 6, 2024) – During USS America’s (LHA 6) first time visiting South Korea, America’s Chief’s Mess and new chief’s in the making engaged in a community relations project (COMREL) as part of the ship’s Chief Season, Sept. 6., 2024. Immediately following liberty call, six chief petty officers and 15 chief selects scoured the piers and roads of Busan Naval Base to collect all the trash they could find as part of a base clean-up initiative.
“Every time we go into port during Chief Season, we do a COMREL event of some sort, and this is how we’re giving back to this area and this base,” said Chief Master-at-Arms John Melendez.
America’s selectees became closely acquainted with the base as they collected debris for almost two hours, while engaging with their Chiefs through a combination of both work and recreation. Their session served to improve the outdoor spaces and to nurture the value of community service in the upcoming generation of leaders.
“This event is actually remarkable. It gives us time to decompress and have a good time. I think it’s a good opportunity for us to come together as a mess and help out the base,” said Chief Personnel Specialist (Sel) Alex Timothy Reyes.
The chief initiation process is essential, as selectees have only a few weeks to prepare to assume one of the most difficult jobs the Navy has to offer. Chief season events provide invaluable training to deck plate leadership, institutional and technical expertise, professionalism loyalty active communication, a sense of heritage and the practicing of the warrior toughness mindset.
“Community events, such as this beach cleanup are an opportunity to work together as we give back, in service of each other and the larger population. The USS America’s Chief’s Mess and Chief’s Selectees took extreme pride in assisting to beautify the coast here in Busan,” said CMDCM McQueen, USS America Command Master Chief.
Commander, Naval Forces Korea (CNFK), located on Busan Naval Base, is the U.S. Navy's representative in South Korea, providing leadership and expertise in naval matters to improve institutional and operational effectiveness between the two navies and to strengthen collective interoperability in Korea and the region.
America, lead ship of the America Amphibious Ready Group, along with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is operating in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility to enhance interoperability with allies and partners, and serve as a ready response force to defend peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
| Date Taken: | 09.06.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 09.18.2024 23:34 |
| Story ID: | 481132 |
| Location: | BUSAN GWANG'YEOGSI [PUSAN-KWANGYOKSHI], KR |
| Web Views: | 97 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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